I read the New Straits Times article on Singapore premier Goh Chok Tong's speech to a Singapore Malay gathering dispelling the notion that Malays in Singapore have been marginalised.

His speech was sober, backed up with facts and had a reassuring tone. He did not lecture them to be grateful for what they have or what the government has given them. He implored them to strive on with greater vigour and integrate with other communities, and that the government will assist them in their efforts. The speech was meant to encourage, and had no political or racial nuances.

I was also pleasantly surprised that NST published the speech, it would seem, in its entirety. Perhaps I should have known better. From such a matter-of-fact speech, I did not expect to read such emotional responses from several Umno readers the next day.

Goh used Malay Malaysians as a comparison because it was a most apt comparison. If Singapore Malays, in spite of their perceived marginalisation, have done as well or better than the Malay Malaysians who had preferential treatment, then their perception of being marginalised would be incorrect. It was an apple to apple comparison and not meant to run down the Malaysian government or system.

If Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad were to give a similar speech to the Chinese community in Malaysia, he would use the Indonesian Chinese as a comparison as there is none better. His intention would not be to run down the Indonesian government. And when he talks about Malaysia's economic progress, what other country can he compare against but Africa and some Latin American and selected Asian countries?

Rafidah Aziz and Wira Mohd Ali Rustam's reactions are typical of the mentality present in Umno today, that of a spoilt child. They cannot distinguish between comment, praise and criticism, constructive or otherwise.

Anybody who has dealt with Singapore Malays can see that they are confident, capable, knowledgeable and liberal. This is the mentality that our prime minister is trying to cultivate in us.